London's best open-air theatre, from Regent's Park to the River Stage

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Look at all that sunshine finally showing its face.

Bars open terraces, musicians take to the street and even theatres get in on the act, with outdoor performances running throughout the summer.

The wise will take a poncho, the committed will simply get wet, but open-air theatre has an undeniable charm: the stages get soft around the edges, blending into their surroundings, and the soundtracks are dotted with nature rustling and fidgeting away. Sure, this is London, so there'll be the occasional siren bleating, but there's something delightful and calming about being entertained in the outdoors.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Regent’s Park is perhaps London’s best-known outdoor theatre spot, and their summer programme is usually first rate. The grand setting – it’s a tree-lined amphitheatre – means every show has a sense of occasion before a line is spoken. While it’s not ideal for small intimate productions, they do spectacles extremely well. This summer is set to be a good one with the essential Shakespeare of the year, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, running from June 28 to July 27. The forest glade feel of the theatre is the perfect. Evita is the big musical offering from August 2 to September 21, directed by Jamie Lloyd.

Chester Rd, NW1, openairtheatre.com

The Globe

As ever, the iconic Globe playhouse will be making the most of its open-air playing space. For the brave, who can stand throughout entire performances, groundling tickets still cost a bargain £5. The galleries, where you can sit, may be covered but with a great big hole where a roof might expected, no-one misses out on the outdoorsy experience. There's a Henry triple bill, with Henry IV Parts 1 and 2 and Henry V running in rep until October 11. Pericles is the romance of the season, until August 21, while The Comedy of Errors brings the laughter until August 23. Sean Holmes will direct A Midsummer Night's Dream (a popular Shakespeare this year) from June 28-October 13.

21 New Globe Walk, SE1, shakespearesglobe.com

Opera Holland Park

Constructed for the summer in the middle of the charming, leafy Holland Park, come for a summer season of fine opera outdoors, which runs until August 9. They encourage picnicking – hampers can be ordered for those too busy to pack one themselves – but be sure to book a table beforehand if you wish to eat while the performances are on. Our advice is to arrive early and eat beforehand. The theatre is designed to feel outdoorsy while battling off rain and wind and is (mostly) successful in this, and the programme this year is as varied and excellent as ever. Check the website for dates, but this year, there are performances of Manon Lescaut, Un ballo in maschera, L'arlesiana and Il segreto di Susanna/Iolanta.

Holland Park, W8, operahollandpark.com

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Greenwich and Docklands International Festival

The Greenwich and Docklands International Festival returns with as mad a mash-up of performances as ever. From June 21 until July 6, expect a blend of theatre, dance, and street art. The festival has long made good on its promise to push boundaries, so you’ll see something new. On June 22, Italian performance group Teatro dei Venti will present an interpretation of Moby Dick with a mix of theatre, circus, dance and music. Talawa Theatre bring an exploration of migration, hope and unknown paths. All events are free.

Across London, festival.org

National Theatre River Stage

The River Stage Festival is a great way to experience some of the most eclectic theatre and arts out there, all for free, from July 5 to August 4. With The Glory takeover on July 5 to 7, east London’s favourite LGBTQ+ pub brings drag and cabaret, while Shubbak Festival presents bands, spoken word and DJ sets from the best of the Arab cultural scene from July 12 to 14. The National Park City Festival from July 19 to 21 celebrates everything green and wild about London through performance and theatre company Frantic Assembly celebrate their 25th birthday with live music, dance, workshops and special performances from July 26-28. The National Theatre closes the season from August 2 to 4, throwing open its doors with family theatre, dance and more.

Upper Ground, Southbank, SE1, nationaltheatre.org.uk

Chiswick House

There's not a huge amount of theatre on at Chiswick House this year, but The Lord Chamberlains Men present A Midsummer Night's Dream on July 10. There’s the usual open air cinema from Luna, with Bohemian Rhapsody, Moulin Rouge and Jurassic Park. Giffords Circus will also be delighting audiences with Xanadu from June 27 until July 8.

Conservatory Yard, W4, chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk

Fulham Palace

Fulham Palace have three shows on this year, each on for one night only: Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves is July 7, The Tempest is August 4 and Frankenstein is August 29, all taking place in the beautiful Walled Garden.

Bishop's Ave, SW6, fulhampalace.org/events

Iris at the Actor's Church

Since 2007, Iris has been putting on plays in the grounds of St. Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, perhaps better known as The Actor’s Church. They’ve always a broad programme, covering everything from straight pieces to circus acrobatics. This year they’re running Hamlet (until July 27) and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (August 1 to September 1).

St Paul’s Church, WC2E, iristheatre.com

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